Comprehensive Test Bank for Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice
Nurse Prescribers, 6th edition Woo
,Chapter 1. The Role of the Nurse Practitioner as Prescriber
Multiple Choice
1. Which organization is responsible for overseeing the prescriptive authority of nurse practitioners?
A. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing
B. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
C. The State Board of Nursing in each individual state
D. The State Board of Pharmacy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners (NPs) is governed by the State Board of Nursing within each
respective state. While the DEA issues licenses for controlled substances, and the National Council of State Boards of
Nursing provides national guidance and testing, each state's nursing board defines the legal scope of prescribing privileges.
The State Board of Pharmacy is not involved in determining NP prescriptive authority.
2. What is one key advantage for patients when receiving prescriptions from an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse (APRN)?
A. APRNs are more knowledgeable in pharmacology because they study it extensively in both basic and advanced
programs.
B. APRNs utilize a holistic care model and encourage patient involvement in health decisions.
C. APRNs generally avoid prescribing opioids and other controlled drugs.
D. APRNs can prescribe medications without supervision in all 50 states, unlike physician assistants.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the major benefits of being treated by an APRN is their emphasis on holistic care. This means they
consider not only the physical condition but also the emotional, psychological, and social needs of the patient. Additionally,
APRNs often prioritize shared decision-making, ensuring the patient is involved in treatment choices. While APRNs are
trained in pharmacology, and prescribing authority varies by state, the most patient-centered advantage is their inclusive
and comprehensive approach to care.
3. What is an important element of clinical judgment when prescribing medications?
A. Considering how much the medication will cost the patient
B. Choosing the newest drugs on the market for better outcomes
C. Offering pharmaceutical samples to patients with limited income
D. Only prescribing generics to reduce costs
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clinical decision-making in prescribing involves assessing not only the efficacy and safety of a drug but also
the patient's ability to afford it. Financial burden is a major barrier to medication adherence, and thoughtful prescribers
consider insurance coverage, co-pays, and the availability of affordable alternatives. Automatically choosing new or
generic drugs without individualized evaluation may not be appropriate for every case.
4. Which strategy is considered appropriate when selecting the most effective medication for a patient’s condition?
A. Asking the patient which drug they believe would work best
B. Referring to nationally accepted disease treatment guidelines
C. Choosing a medication available in sample form
D. Relying on DEA regulations for prescribing decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using evidence-based, nationally recognized treatment guidelines ensures that prescribing decisions align with
current standards of care. These guidelines synthesize clinical research, expert consensus, and practical considerations to
help providers choose the safest and most effective treatment. While patient input is valuable, and regulations must be
followed, relying on sample availability or DEA rules alone does not constitute best prescribing practice.
5. Why might nurse practitioners be well-positioned for success under healthcare reform initiatives?
A. Their proven ability to deliver cost-effective care with positive patient outcomes
B. Their new authority to practice without physician collaboration in all states
C. The implementation of universal full reimbursement policies for NPs
D. Healthcare reform policies shifting Medicaid responsibilities to individual states
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Numerous studies have shown that nurse practitioners provide high-quality care that is both cost-effective and
associated with favorable patient outcomes. As healthcare systems aim to improve access while controlling expenses, NPs
are increasingly recognized as valuable providers, especially in primary care settings. Although practice independence and
reimbursement vary by state and policy, the core reason NPs may thrive is their demonstrated ability to deliver efficient and
patient-centered care.
Chapter 2. Review of the Basic Principles of Pharmacology
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
,1. Why is hypoalbuminemia an important consideration when prescribing medications?
A. It may hinder the drug’s ability to reach the target tissue.
B. It prevents the drug from dissolving properly at the absorption site.
C. It reduces the amount of free drug available to exert an effect.
D. It increases the kidney’s ability to excrete protein-bound drugs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low albumin levels in the blood mean there are fewer binding sites for protein-bound drugs. This can alter drug
distribution by increasing the free, active drug concentration or, conversely, prevent drugs from being properly transported
to target tissues.
2. What is a likely characteristic of drugs that undergo a high first-pass metabolism?
A. They are only effective when given orally.
B. They avoid the liver’s metabolic pathway.
C. They are extensively broken down in the liver and may be less effective.
D. They are converted into more active, fat-soluble compounds in the liver.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drugs with a significant first-pass effect are metabolized quickly in the liver when taken orally, which can
greatly reduce their bioavailability and desired therapeutic action.
3. What is the most probable route of excretion for a volatile drug?
A. Renal elimination
B. Pulmonary exhalation
C. Fecal excretion
D. Through the skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Volatile drugs, such as inhaled anesthetics, are typically excreted through the lungs due to their gaseous or
vaporized nature.
4. Why is medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) given intramuscularly?
A. To ensure the drug reaches the intended site of action
B. To create a storage site for a loading dose
C. To extend the duration of the drug’s effectiveness
Nurse Prescribers, 6th edition Woo
,Chapter 1. The Role of the Nurse Practitioner as Prescriber
Multiple Choice
1. Which organization is responsible for overseeing the prescriptive authority of nurse practitioners?
A. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing
B. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
C. The State Board of Nursing in each individual state
D. The State Board of Pharmacy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners (NPs) is governed by the State Board of Nursing within each
respective state. While the DEA issues licenses for controlled substances, and the National Council of State Boards of
Nursing provides national guidance and testing, each state's nursing board defines the legal scope of prescribing privileges.
The State Board of Pharmacy is not involved in determining NP prescriptive authority.
2. What is one key advantage for patients when receiving prescriptions from an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse (APRN)?
A. APRNs are more knowledgeable in pharmacology because they study it extensively in both basic and advanced
programs.
B. APRNs utilize a holistic care model and encourage patient involvement in health decisions.
C. APRNs generally avoid prescribing opioids and other controlled drugs.
D. APRNs can prescribe medications without supervision in all 50 states, unlike physician assistants.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: One of the major benefits of being treated by an APRN is their emphasis on holistic care. This means they
consider not only the physical condition but also the emotional, psychological, and social needs of the patient. Additionally,
APRNs often prioritize shared decision-making, ensuring the patient is involved in treatment choices. While APRNs are
trained in pharmacology, and prescribing authority varies by state, the most patient-centered advantage is their inclusive
and comprehensive approach to care.
3. What is an important element of clinical judgment when prescribing medications?
A. Considering how much the medication will cost the patient
B. Choosing the newest drugs on the market for better outcomes
C. Offering pharmaceutical samples to patients with limited income
D. Only prescribing generics to reduce costs
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clinical decision-making in prescribing involves assessing not only the efficacy and safety of a drug but also
the patient's ability to afford it. Financial burden is a major barrier to medication adherence, and thoughtful prescribers
consider insurance coverage, co-pays, and the availability of affordable alternatives. Automatically choosing new or
generic drugs without individualized evaluation may not be appropriate for every case.
4. Which strategy is considered appropriate when selecting the most effective medication for a patient’s condition?
A. Asking the patient which drug they believe would work best
B. Referring to nationally accepted disease treatment guidelines
C. Choosing a medication available in sample form
D. Relying on DEA regulations for prescribing decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using evidence-based, nationally recognized treatment guidelines ensures that prescribing decisions align with
current standards of care. These guidelines synthesize clinical research, expert consensus, and practical considerations to
help providers choose the safest and most effective treatment. While patient input is valuable, and regulations must be
followed, relying on sample availability or DEA rules alone does not constitute best prescribing practice.
5. Why might nurse practitioners be well-positioned for success under healthcare reform initiatives?
A. Their proven ability to deliver cost-effective care with positive patient outcomes
B. Their new authority to practice without physician collaboration in all states
C. The implementation of universal full reimbursement policies for NPs
D. Healthcare reform policies shifting Medicaid responsibilities to individual states
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Numerous studies have shown that nurse practitioners provide high-quality care that is both cost-effective and
associated with favorable patient outcomes. As healthcare systems aim to improve access while controlling expenses, NPs
are increasingly recognized as valuable providers, especially in primary care settings. Although practice independence and
reimbursement vary by state and policy, the core reason NPs may thrive is their demonstrated ability to deliver efficient and
patient-centered care.
Chapter 2. Review of the Basic Principles of Pharmacology
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
,1. Why is hypoalbuminemia an important consideration when prescribing medications?
A. It may hinder the drug’s ability to reach the target tissue.
B. It prevents the drug from dissolving properly at the absorption site.
C. It reduces the amount of free drug available to exert an effect.
D. It increases the kidney’s ability to excrete protein-bound drugs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low albumin levels in the blood mean there are fewer binding sites for protein-bound drugs. This can alter drug
distribution by increasing the free, active drug concentration or, conversely, prevent drugs from being properly transported
to target tissues.
2. What is a likely characteristic of drugs that undergo a high first-pass metabolism?
A. They are only effective when given orally.
B. They avoid the liver’s metabolic pathway.
C. They are extensively broken down in the liver and may be less effective.
D. They are converted into more active, fat-soluble compounds in the liver.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drugs with a significant first-pass effect are metabolized quickly in the liver when taken orally, which can
greatly reduce their bioavailability and desired therapeutic action.
3. What is the most probable route of excretion for a volatile drug?
A. Renal elimination
B. Pulmonary exhalation
C. Fecal excretion
D. Through the skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Volatile drugs, such as inhaled anesthetics, are typically excreted through the lungs due to their gaseous or
vaporized nature.
4. Why is medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) given intramuscularly?
A. To ensure the drug reaches the intended site of action
B. To create a storage site for a loading dose
C. To extend the duration of the drug’s effectiveness
